There have been a number of blogs discussing the recent solemn assembly in which the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were given the opportunity to rise from our seat and add our voice of sustaining and support for our new prophet Thomas S. Monson. It is our opportunity to confirm that through our own personal revelation we recognize that the mantel of the Priesthood, and the keys of Christ’s church, have been activated in the new prophet. We add our voice to say, “Yes, we know this is the servant of the Lord, our president, prophet, seer, and revelator, and we will follow and support him.”
If you have asked for that confirming spirit, standing to bear that witness is a beautiful experience. The Holy Ghost descends and overwhelms us all with love as we reach out to these men who give their lives to do God’s will and serve us.
Though not executed in a solemn assembly, this same pattern holds true for every position of service, or calling, within the church. This church is a voluntary effort by individuals, not because they have asked for it themselves. Rather, that the Lord, through proper channels, has asked it of them. Many of these callings will not be known in the congregations before they are announced for a sustaining vote. This does not mean however, that the congregation is denied an opportunity for spiritual confirmation that the individual, is exactly who the Lord wants to do something for Him, in His name. If you come to meetings with your heart open to the teaching of God that includes anything the Lord needs you to hear. As a name is read, you can still have that spiritual confirmation before, or in, that same moment as you raise your hand.
But what happens next? Aside from keeping us a united congregation under the direction of the Lord’s prophet, and other local leaders, there is another reason. When we raise our hand in confirmation of the revelations of Heavenly Father, we are asked to sustain the Lord’s choice of servant. He has identified this man, or woman, depending on the calling, as one who will serve Him as a true disciple, who will give an example that will draw the rest of his congregation, those disciples who are also striving for this level of devotion, on righteous paths.
What does it mean to sustain someone? It’s more than just raising our hand. It’s more than testifying of our love for the Lord’s choice. It is literally upholding and supporting them. It means we are covenanting with Heavenly Father that:
We will follow where His chosen servant leads.
We will do all that is asked of us by him.
We will offer our support, prayers and love everyday, just as we offer it to our Savior Jesus Christ.
Not only are we acknowledging their role in God’s kingdom, but we are committing ourselves to our role of support.
This means knowing what is asked of you. In the case of the prophet it means listening to and reading his messages. Then it means doing what is asked of you. It also means that even if you feel you disagree, you will refrain from gossip or illspeaking about God’s servants. It’s doing our best to help even when it is not required duty, to support his or her efforts and family who also make sacrifices by allowing their husband, son, wife, daughter to serve the Lord in a very devoted manner.
My raised hand during the solemn assembly committed me to a pattern of obedience, respect and love for a wonderful man. Within my stake, ward, or branch the promise is the same. Christ’s gospel is a whole heart, whole life endeavor. We show confirmation of the Lord’s will and our willingness to support it. It is a covenant and a promise to see that through with both actions and words, with our whole heart and life.
